Lesson Three: Exploring Genetic Testing: A Case Study

In this lesson, students engage in a case study about a family with a history of breast cancer. Students consider ethical issues surrounding genetic testing as they decide whether or not family members should get tested for BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. Students then evaluate the case through the principles-based bioethics concepts of: Respect for Persons, Maximize Benefits/Minimize Harms, and Justice. Students apply the principles to help them reason through their decision as they participate in a Structured Academic Controversy. In Lesson Three, students learn how genetic counselors might use bioinformatics tools in their career.